Landscape Architecture Careers

Landscape architects are employed around the world in private, public, and academic organizations. Private sector opportunities are found within landscape architectural, engineering, architectural, and planning firms. The public sector includes opportunities within federal, state, regional, and municipal agencies involved in land planning, development, park services, and preservation. Federal agencies employing landscape architects include the US Forest Service, National Park Service, US Army Corp of Engineers, Department of Transportation, and others. Academic opportunities for landscape architects include practicing, teaching, and conducting research in professional programs at colleges and universities.

Salaries for landscape architects vary depending on years of experience, location, and position. In May 2012, the median annual salary for landscape architects in the US was $64,180.

The Robert Reich School of Landscape Architecture has a vast alumni network with professionals working as principals and designers at private firms, national parks, and universities across the US and abroad. Alumni help our students through internships and job placement, donations, and professional contributions and are the school’s greatest advocates and important assets to the success of the program at LSU.

Further networking opportunities begin with the LSU Student Chapter of the American Society of Landscape Architects, the official student body organization recognized by ASLA, the professional organization representing landscape architects nationally and internationally. Visit Landscape Architecture Student Organizations for more information.

The College of Art & Design’s annual Career Day offers students opportunities to meet and network face to face with representatives and alumni from design firms across the country. The College of Art & Design shares job and internship opportunities online for students and alumni, and LSU provides career guidance and help through the Olinde Career Center. Professor Max Conrad also shares job listings at maxonline.lsu.edu.

Licensing

At present, 49 states license (or register) landscape architects.

There are two different types of mandated licensing known as “title acts” and “practice acts.” In states with “title acts,” no one without a license may call him or herself a landscape architect. Under the provisions of “practice acts,” no one without a license may perform the work of a landscape architect. Each state sets its own requirements for registration, but all require candidates to pass a national examination (the Landscape Architect Registration Examination, or LARE). Many states also require candidates to have completed an approved program of professional education and to practice for a time under the supervision of a licensed landscape architect.